What No One Tells You About Buying a Home in Metro Detroit

Owning a home in Metro Detroit is an exciting milestone – but it comes with a few surprises that even lifelong renters might not see coming. As Metro Detroit homeowners, we quickly learn there’s more to that charming brick ranch or classic Royal Oak bungalow than the listing let on. From hidden costs to unexpected joys, homeownership here is an adventure. In true neighborly fashion, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to own a home in the Motor City suburbs and beyond. Here are 13 surprising truths (drawn from local experience) about owning a home in Metro Detroit – consider this your friendly heads-up from one neighbor to another.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, some of these will make you nod in agreement and others might save you from a headache or two. Let’s dive in!

1. The Mortgage Is Just the Beginning (More Costs Ahead)

So you’ve budgeted for your mortgage – great! But homeownership in Metro Detroit comes with a parade of other bills that can catch you off guard. Property taxes in many Metro Detroit communities are no joke (hello, summer and winter tax bills), and they often go up each year as your home’s assessed value rises. Then there’s homeowners insurance, which might be higher than you expected if you’ve only rented before – especially if your new home is older or you bundle it with Detroit’s famously pricey auto insurance. Don’t forget city services or utilities: water and sewer bills can be a shocker if you’re coming from an apartment where they were included. Heating costs in winter and cooling in the humid summers will also bump up those utility bills. In short, the monthly mortgage payment is just one slice of the pie – owning a home means budgeting for a whole buffet of expenses year-round.

Homeowner Tip: Plan ahead with a “real” housing budget. Include estimates for property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance. Set aside a bit extra each month so when that big tax bill or energy bill arrives, you’re prepared and not scrambling.

2. Save for a Rainy Day (Emergency Repairs Happen)

Life as a homeowner means expecting the unexpected. The water heater might decide to quit during a January cold snap, or a summer thunderstorm could send a few shingles flying off your roof. Unlike renting, there’s no landlord to call when things go wrong – and repairs and replacements can be costly. Many Metro Detroit homes are decades (if not a century) old, which means some systems are on the tail end of their lifespan. New homeowners are often surprised by how quickly an emergency fund becomes essential. It’s not a matter of if something will need a sudden fix, but when. Whether it’s a sump pump failure during spring rains or the A/C conking out during a heatwave, having some savings for home emergencies will save your sanity. The peace of mind is priceless when you know you can handle a surprise $800 furnace repair or a leaky basement without panic.

Homeowner Tip: Build an emergency home repair fund from day one. Financial experts recommend saving 1–3% of your home’s value per year for maintenance and emergencies. In practice, even stashing away a small amount each month helps. That way, when Metro Detroit’s weather (or just Murphy’s Law) throws you a curveball, you’ll have the funds ready to address it promptly.

3. You’re the Landlord Now (Maintenance Is Your Job)

One of the biggest wake-up calls after moving in is realizing every leak, squeak, and drip is now your responsibility. That loose gutter, the running toilet, the peeling paint on the porch – as a homeowner, you’re wearing the landlord hat. In Metro Detroit’s older housing stock, little maintenance issues can pop up frequently. It might be cleaning out the gutters in fall (those beautiful Michigan maples drop a ton of leaves), replacing a few cracked porch steps, or dealing with a garage door that suddenly won’t close. New homeowners are often surprised at how much routine TLC a house requires. Even a newer construction home isn’t maintenance-free – filters need changing, lawns need mowing, and that driveway won’t seal itself. It can feel like a part-time job keeping up with it all, especially if you were used to calling maintenance in your old apartment. But the flip side? You have total control. You decide when and how to fix things, and every improvement you make is an investment in your asset, not your landlord’s.

Homeowner Tip: Embrace a proactive maintenance routine. Create a seasonal checklist – for example, inspect the roof and clean gutters every fall, service the furnace before winter, and caulk windows in the spring. Tackling small issues before they grow will save you time and money. If something is beyond your skill level, don’t hesitate to call a trusted local pro – it’s better (and often cheaper) to do it right the first time.

4. Say Goodbye to Some Free Time (Hello, Home Depot Weekends)

Remember those leisurely Saturdays sleeping in or meeting friends for brunch? Well, owning a home has a funny way of rewriting your weekend plans. Home projects and runs to Home Depot or Lowe’s become a new weekend routine for many Metro Detroit homeowners. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself spending a Saturday afternoon fixing a wobbly fence post or repainting the guest bedroom that ’70s avocado green. Even if you love DIY, the sheer number of tasks can eat up a lot of your free time. That dripping faucet you meant to fix on Tuesday might turn into a Sunday trip to the hardware store. And once you’re there, you might as well grab those furnace filters, and some grass seed, and hey – isn’t that patio set on sale? It’s not all drudgery: many folks discover they actually enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with these projects. It’s empowering to learn new skills and see tangible results in your home. But make no mistake, homeownership is a commitment of time as well as money. The key is finding a balance so you still get to relax and enjoy that home you’re working on.

Homeowner Tip: Prioritize and pace yourself. Keep a running list of home to-dos and tackle one project at a time. Block out specific “home work” hours so you don’t burn out. And don’t forget to take breaks to actually enjoy your home – have that barbecue, host the game night, or simply relax in your new space. If a project isn’t urgent, it’s okay to schedule it for next weekend (or next month). Homeownership is a marathon, not a sprint!

5. Tool Time – You’ll Need a Lot of Gear

Owning a home often means building a mini Home Depot in your garage or basement. The first year in your Metro Detroit home, you’ll quickly realize how many tools and gadgets you suddenly need. Lawn mower? Check. Snow blower or at least a sturdy snow shovel? Definitely. A decent drill and a set of screwdrivers, a hammer, a ladder, a rake, a hose – the shopping list can feel endless at first. It’s not just tools either. You might need a mower trimmer for that edging along the sidewalk, a sump pump backup battery (if your home has a basement prone to flooding), or even something as simple as an outdoor extension cord for holiday lights. Many new homeowners are caught off guard by these one-time purchases that were never on the radar while renting. The good news: once you invest in quality tools and equipment, they’ll last years and make your life much easier. And in true neighborly Metro Detroit style, you might find that neighbors are willing to lend a tool or two when you’re in a pinch (just be sure to return the favor). Before you know it, you’ll have a well-stocked toolkit and a garage corner filled with all the “toys” that keep a house running smoothly.

Homeowner Tip: Budget for tools and equipment in your first-year plan. You don’t need to buy every tool at once – start with the basics like a hammer, screwdriver set, tape measure, and drill, then purchase others as projects come up. Consider checking out local estate sales, Facebook Marketplace, or neighborhood garage sales for gently used lawn equipment and tools. Often, you can find great deals on items like lawn mowers or snow blowers from people moving or upgrading, saving you money while building your collection.

6. The Grass Won’t Cut Itself (Yard Work Surprises)

One big change for many first-time homeowners: suddenly you’re the proud caretaker of your own patch of green. Metro Detroit’s neighborhoods are known for their lovely yards – from the tidy lawns in Livonia to the blooming gardens of Grosse Pointe – but keeping them that way takes work. If you’ve never had to worry about yard work before, the sheer amount of it can be a surprise. The grass grows fast in spring, dandelions pop up overnight, and come autumn, you’ll be ankle-deep in leaves before you know it. Many cities here require you to bag those leaves or at least rake them to the curb for pickup – a workout you might not have expected. Let’s not forget summer weeds sprouting in the flower beds or that one hedge that always needs trimming. Owning a home means weekends with a lawn mower and rake in hand. On the flip side, there’s a real pride in looking at your yard after a fresh mow or planting some petunias by the front walk. What used to be just “some grass out front” becomes your lawn – and oddly enough, you might even enjoy caring for it (at least a little bit).

Homeowner Tip: Make yard care easier on yourself. Invest in decent lawn equipment (even if your yard is small, a reliable mower and rake are worth it). Mow regularly during the growing season – it’s quicker to cut an inch of growth every week than six inches after a month of neglect. Consider low-maintenance landscaping like native plants or perennial flowers that come back every year with less fuss. And if you truly dread yard work or travel often, budget for a local lawn service – in Metro Detroit, many neighbors or teens offer reasonable lawn mowing services that can save you time.

7. Winter Is Coming – Every Year (Snow & Cold Surprises)

Metro Detroiters are no strangers to winter, but experiencing it as a homeowner is a whole new ballgame. Those picturesque snowfalls turn into a workout when it’s your driveway and sidewalk that need shoveling at 6 AM so you can get to work (and meet the local ordinance to clear the walk for the mailman). Snow removal can be a big surprise for new homeowners – you might suddenly find yourself pricing snow blowers after the third heavy snowstorm of the season leaves you exhausted. And it’s not just snow; the cold brings its own challenges. You’ll learn fast how important it is to winterize your home every fall. Did you disconnect your garden hose and shut off exterior faucets? (Frozen burst pipes are a nasty surprise.) Is your furnace filter clean and furnace tuned-up? How about those drafty windows – time to insulate or at least put plastic film on them. Metro Detroit winters can be harsh on houses, from ice dams on the roof to salt tracked into the mudroom. Every year, you’ll get a little better at preparing, but that first winter as a homeowner is eye-opening. On the bright side, you get to enjoy the cozy warmth of your living room on a snowy evening, knowing you’ve made it a snug sanctuary from the storm outside.

Homeowner Tip: Get winter-ready by early fall. Have your furnace inspected or serviced each autumn and replace the filter regularly for efficiency. Drain and shut off outdoor spigots to prevent pipe bursts. Stock up on sidewalk salt and make sure your shovel (or snow blower) is accessible before the first big snow – not buried in the back of the garage. If you’re new to shoveling, remember not to overdo it; push snow in layers during heavy storms and consider asking a neighbor or hiring a local teen for help if you’re away or need assistance. A little preparation goes a long way toward making Michigan winters manageable (dare we say, even enjoyable) in your new home.

8. Renovation Reality Check (Home Improvement Takes Longer Than You Think)

If you’re a fan of those HGTV makeover shows, you might be dreaming of knocking down walls and remodeling the kitchen right away. Reality check: home improvements in real life are rarely as quick or tidy as on TV – especially when you’re working on a normal budget and schedule. Metro Detroit homes, with their mix of old construction and newer additions, can hide surprises behind the walls. That simple bathroom update could uncover old plumbing that needs replacing, and that wall you want to open up might be load-bearing (time to call a structural engineer!). Even smaller DIY projects tend to stretch out longer than planned. Painting the living room? Sure, but first you need to patch that plaster and tape off the intricate molding common in our older houses. Refinish the basement? Great idea – just budget extra time for pulling permits from the city and waiting on inspections if you’re adding electrical or plumbing. New homeowners often start with big renovation plans only to learn the virtue of patience. Home improvement is a marathon, not a sprint, and living in the space for a while can actually help you decide what changes are really worth making. The good news is Metro Detroit has a robust community of contractors and handy professionals when you need a pro’s touch, and plenty of friendly advice to tap into (neighbors love recommending someone who did great work for them). Just be prepared: almost every project will take more time (and a bit more money) than you initially thought – but it will be worth it when you see the finished result in your own home.

Homeowner Tip: Prioritize projects and expect the unexpected. Tackle one renovation at a time, starting with anything critical (like that old roof or inefficient furnace) before the purely cosmetic updates. Always add a buffer to your budget and timeline – if you think a project will take a weekend, give it two; if a contractor estimates two weeks, mentally prepare for three or four. Check local city requirements for permits early on; Metro Detroit municipalities can be strict about permits for electrical, plumbing, or structural changes. And perhaps most importantly, live in your home a bit before major renovations – you might find that the wall you were eager to remove actually grows on you, or that you’d rather spend money on a new patio for summer BBQs than on a dining room remodel.

9. Welcome to the Neighborhood (Neighbors & Community Perks)

One of the best surprises of owning a home in Metro Detroit is how quickly you become part of a community. This isn’t just a house in isolation – it’s on a street, in a neighborhood full of people who’ve likely been there a while. Don’t be shocked when the neighbors pop over to introduce themselves (maybe with a plate of cookies or a gardening tip). Metro Detroiters are generally a friendly, down-to-earth bunch, and many neighborhoods have traditions like block parties, summer cookouts, or holiday decorating contests. You’ll soon learn who on the block is the go-to for tool lending or gardening advice, and you might find yourself joining a local Facebook or Nextdoor group dedicated to your subdivision or area. Being a homeowner ties you into local happenings in a way renting often doesn’t. You start to care about things like the local school bond proposal (even if you don’t have kids) or the new park being planned down the road, because it affects your community and home value. Neighbors will keep an eye on your place when you’re out of town, and you’ll do the same for them – there’s a shared sense of “we’re in this together.” Of course, every neighborhood has its characters (the lawn perfectionist, the chatty dog-walker, the amateur handyman ready to give unsolicited advice), but that’s part of the charm. Owning a home here means gaining a community, and for many, that sense of belonging is a wonderful, if unexpected, perk.

Homeowner Tip: Take the initiative to get to know your neighbors. Wave and say hello when you see folks outside; a little friendliness goes a long way. Attend (or even host) a block party or neighborhood barbecue if your area has them – and if not, you can always start the tradition. Exchange contact info with the neighbors immediately around you for emergencies or package drop-offs. Building good relationships creates a support network – from borrowing a cup of sugar or a ladder to simply having someone look out for your home. Plus, living in a friendly neighborhood just makes the experience of homeownership that much richer.

10. Pests & Critters Come with the Territory (Unexpected Guests)

Here’s a creepy-crawly truth: houses attract pests, and sooner or later you’ll likely cross paths with some uninvited little guests. Metro Detroit’s climate – cold winters and warm summers – means critters are looking for shelter or food, and your home can be very inviting. Don’t be surprised if you find a line of ants discovering your kitchen in the spring, or a family of spiders setting up shop in the basement. Have an older home or live near wooded areas? You might hear the pitter-patter of a determined mouse in the walls when the temperature drops, or discover squirrels treating your attic like a winter condo. And let’s not forget summer mosquitoes in the yard – owning property means dealing with whatever nature brings to it. The key is not to panic, but to be prepared. A good pest control routine – whether DIY or with a professional – is part of homeownership that few people think about until they’re face to face with a wasp nest under the eaves. It’s not all bad; you may also get pleasant critters like songbirds at your feeder or the occasional curious bunny in the yard. But the first time you have to evict a rogue raccoon from your chimney, you’ll truly understand this surprising truth of owning a home in Metro Detroit: the wildlife here doesn’t always stay wild – sometimes it comes indoors!

Homeowner Tip: Stay ahead of pest problems. Seal up any holes or gaps in your home’s exterior (even tiny cracks) to block entry points for mice and insects. Keep tree branches trimmed away from the roof – they’re highways for squirrels and raccoons. Store trash in sturdy cans with lids to avoid attracting critters. It’s wise to schedule a preventative pest control treatment in spring or fall, or at least have traps and sprays on hand for common pests like ants. If you do encounter a larger animal (like a raccoon or skunk taking up residence), it’s worth calling a professional wildlife removal service – they’ll handle it safely and humanely. A little vigilance will help keep your home comfortable and critter-free.

11. Home Becomes Your Happy Place (You May Go Out Less)

Owning your home has a funny way of changing your lifestyle – in a good way. Don’t be surprised if you start opting for nights in instead of nights out once you’ve got a place that truly feels like yours. Many Metro Detroit homeowners find that after putting effort and love into their houses, they want to spend more time there. Why battle for a restaurant reservation when you can grill in your own backyard oasis? Why pay for a movie ticket when the couch in your finished basement is ten times comfier (and the snacks are free)? You might host more gatherings – from Thanksgiving dinners to summer pool parties (if you’re lucky enough to have a pool) – because having your own space makes entertaining rewarding and personal. Even if you were the type who loved going out every weekend, having a home you adore can turn you into a bit of a homebody. It’s the comfort and satisfaction of enjoying the space you’ve created. Plus, let’s face it, after paying that mortgage and those new bills, finding budget-friendly fun at home becomes appealing! This doesn’t mean you’ll never hit the town – Metro Detroit has too much to offer. But it does mean you’ll likely develop a deeper appreciation for cozy nights on the patio with friends, DIY projects as Saturday fun, or simply enjoying a quiet morning coffee on your porch. Your home isn’t just an investment or a roof over your head; it becomes your sanctuary and favorite hangout spot.

Homeowner Tip: Make your home space enjoyable for you. Don’t hesitate to furnish that deck, decorate your living room in a style that makes you happy, or set up a game room/big-screen TV for entertainment. Little touches – like a fire pit in the yard or a comfy reading nook – can greatly increase your enjoyment of staying in. Balance is key: continue to explore Metro Detroit’s great restaurants, parks, and nightlife, but know that investing in your home’s comfort is also an investment in your personal happiness. After all, you bought your home to live in it, so make sure you’re living your best life there!

12. Condo Owners Aren’t Off the Hook

Thinking of buying a condo in Metro Detroit to avoid yard work and maintenance headaches? Good plan – but here’s a surprising truth: condo owners aren’t completely off the hook when it comes to homeownership challenges. Yes, with a condo you won’t be mowing a lawn or shoveling snow (hooray for association services!), but you’ll discover there are other responsibilities and sometimes other surprises. For one, you’re still responsible for everything inside your unit. That means if your dishwasher leaks or the A/C unit in your condo fails, it’s on you to fix or replace it – and you can’t call a landlord for help. Plus, condos come with the infamous HOA (Homeowners Association) rules and fees. That monthly HOA fee might cover exterior maintenance, but it can also go up over time or occasionally hit you with a “special assessment” fee if the building needs a big repair like a new roof or repaved parking lot. And those rules? They can dictate everything from what color curtains you can have visible in your windows to whether or not you can have a grill on your balcony. Many condo owners are caught off guard by how involved living in a condo community can be – board meetings, voting on budgets, adhering to community guidelines – it’s a different kind of responsibility. Lastly, while you might not be raking leaves, you’ll still want to stay informed about the overall building’s maintenance (after all, a poorly maintained complex can affect your property value). Condo living is fantastic for a low-maintenance lifestyle, but it’s not a free pass on the duties of homeownership – they’re just a bit different.

Homeowner Tip: Do your homework before and after buying a condo. Read the HOA bylaws and financial statements of the condo association so you know the rules and how well-funded the reserves are for future repairs. Stay engaged with the condo board or attend annual meetings – having a voice can ensure the community is run well (and prevent nasty surprises like huge special assessments). Even in a condo, maintain an emergency fund for interior fixes or appliance replacements. And while you may not need to mow a lawn, consider getting a basic toolkit for your unit – you’ll be glad to have a screwdriver or plunger at 10 PM when something minor goes awry. Condo ownership is more hands-off in many ways, but being a responsible co-owner will keep your condo experience positive and stress-free.

13. Pride of Ownership Is Real (It Feels Different When It’s Yours)

There’s a special feeling that comes with unlocking the door to your own home – and that pride of ownership only grows with time. As much as homeownership comes with work and worries, it also comes with immense satisfaction. Little things start to matter more: you swell with pride seeing flowers you planted bloom in the spring, or you feel a sense of accomplishment after repainting the bedroom a color you love. Hosting friends and family carries a different joy – “Welcome to my home” has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Many Metro Detroiters are pleasantly surprised by how owning a home gives them a deeper stake in their community and a sense of stability. You might find yourself telling anyone who’ll listen about the historic details of your 1920s Detroit bungalow or the clever pantry you built under the stairs. And while the challenges are real (we’ve covered those!), the rewards are just as real. You’re not just building equity in a financial sense; you’re building a place full of memories, customized to your life. That feeling when you pull up to your house after a long day – a mix of relief, comfort, and pride knowing it’s yours – that’s something renters don’t quite get to experience. In the end, despite all the surprises (and trips to Home Depot), owning a home in Metro Detroit is an accomplishment and a source of happiness that makes it all worthwhile.

Homeowner Tip: Celebrate your homeownership journey. Take “before” photos when you move in, so you can look back in a year or two and see how far you’ve come in making the house your own. Get to know the history of your home or neighborhood – it can deepen your appreciation of the place. And remember to enjoy the fruits of your labor: spend a lazy Sunday in the yard you’ve cared for, or host that movie night in your spruced-up basement. Homeownership isn’t just about the duties – it’s about the pride and joy of having a place to call your own in this big Metro Detroit community.

Owning a home in Metro Detroit is a rewarding journey full of lessons, laughs, and the occasional “oh boy” moment. These 13 truths cover the gamut from financial surprises and DIY epiphanies to the warmth of community and personal pride. Homeownership here means learning something new almost every day – about your house, your neighborhood, even yourself. The Mike Perna Team’s mission has always been to educate and support Metro Detroiters in their real estate adventures, and we hope these insights do exactly that.

Armed with this knowledge, you can dive into owning a home with eyes wide open and heart open too. Yes, the furnace will act up at the worst time and you might spend a Sunday afternoon removing a rogue squirrel from your attic, but you’ll also swap stories with neighbors, make a house into a home, and build equity in more ways than one. In the end, the unexpected quirks and challenges are part of the package – and as any seasoned Metro Detroiter will tell you, it’s a package well worth opening. Welcome to homeownership in Metro Detroit, neighbor – you’ve got this! Enjoy the journey, and remember that the Perna Team is always here to help if you need a hand or just some friendly advice along the way. Here’s to your home sweet home!